Prince William attends ‘society wedding of the year’: Prince of Wales performs duties as an usher at friend Duke of Westminster’s marriage to Olivia Henson after Harry agreed to stay away
Prince William performed his duties as an usher at the Duke of Westminster’s marriage to Olivia Henson today.
The Prince of Wales was pictured waving to the cameras as he arrived for the service at Chester Cathedral.
But his brother Harry, also one Hugh Grosvenor’s closest friends, was not in attendance, choosing to remain in California instead.
An insider this week said it would have been ‘difficult’ for Harry to attend, and the decision for him not to come was a ‘understanding between the two friends’.
The Duke of Westminster is the godfather to William’s son Prince George and Harry’s son Archie.
Prince William arriving at the society wedding of the year in Chester for his close friend
Prince William, who was an usher at the ceremony, and William van Cutsem after the wedding of Olivia and his old friend Hugh
Hugh and Olivia smile and wave at the crowd after their wedding at Chester Cathedral today
The Duke, Hugh Grosvenor, arriving at his wedding where Prince William will be an usher
The 7th Duke, 33, as a young boy with an impish grin on his face next to lifelong friend William
Prince William leaving the ceremony with guests heading to the receiption
Sources close to Prince Harry briefed People Magazine in America and said he had spoken to the Duke of Westminster, and discussed tensions within the Royal family.
People Magazine reported it can confirm Harry was invited to the wedding and was not excluded from the event.
Their report reads: ‘However, there was an acknowledgment on both sides that it would be difficult for Harry to attend.’
While a source added: ‘It was an understanding between the two friends.’
An insider close to the newly married couple added: ‘The decision certainly avoided the inevitable clamour had estranged brothers Prince William, 41, and Prince Harry both attended the nuptials, eliminating the possibility of the big day being overshadowed for the couple.’
The publication added that: ‘The Duke of Sussex sends ‘his love and support and admiration for the couple’ for their wedding day.’
Princes Harry has agreed to stay away after the publishing of his memoir Spare made damning allegations about the Royal Family.
Up to 400 guests attended the wedding which has been highly anticipated for months amongst society circles.
Olivia, 31, looked stunning in her dress and blue shoes as she arrived at the 11th Century Cathedral just before midday.
The bespoke embroidery design on her gown and veil was hand drawn by Emma Victoria Payne, featuring floral motifs and edgings from Olivia’s great great grandmother’s veil from around 1880.
The bride is wearing the Faberge Myrtle Leaf Tiara made for Grosvenor brides to wear on their wedding day.
It has been in the Grosvenor family since its creation in 1906. Olivia’s bouquet was made of flowers picked from the gardens of the duke’s family home, Eaton Hall.
Prince William and the Duke as a young boy at the wedding of Edward van Cutsem and Lady Tamara Grosvenor
Princess Eugenie is among the many guests to have arrived at the event, while the Princess of Wales- who has been out the spotlight as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy – was not expected to attend.
Shortly before 11am, coachloads and minibuses of excited guests began arriving and filing into the side door of the Cathedral.
As they rounded the corner, many smiled and waved back to the crowds lining the streets, who were cheering their arrival.
William, dressed like others in morning suit, smiled as he exited a black minibus to head towards the building.
Guests joined the long queue snaking into the Cathedral, waiting to be shown to their seats by Prince William and the other ushers.
Olivia Henson has arrived for her wedding to the Duke of Westminster at Chester Cathedral
The Duke of Westminster and his bridge Olivia leaving Chester Cathedral after their wedding today
The newly married couple sealed their big day with a kiss and headed out into the cheering crowds who were wishing them will on their new life together.
The wedding reception is being held at the family seat of the Grosvenor family at Eaton Hall a few miles outside of Chester.
There the couples’ lemon cake will be cut before ice-cream, gelato and sortbet will be handed out to the locals.
Crowds began amassing at the entrance to the church at 6am waiting to see the couple and Prince William.
Princess Eugenie (pictured) arriving at the cathedral for the wedding of Hugh and Olivia
Olivia looked stunning as she arrived for her wedding to the Duke of Westminster today
Maths tutor Catherina Rhodes, 59, of Chester, said: ‘It’s an exciting day. I have always loved the royal family especially the Queen.
‘I was taken down to Buckingham Palace when I was aged six.
‘My uncle worked at the stables and helped teach the Queen to ride. Since then I was entranced by the royal family.’
She added: ‘It’s great for the city.’
Pharmaceutical trainer Helen Jackson, 55, said: ‘I went for a drink in the Grosvenor hotel last night and saw Princess Eugenie having a drink.
‘It’s fabulous for Chester.
The Duke 33, will wed Olivia Henson, 31, (pictured) in Cheshire today
Police outside Chester Cathedral before the wedding this afternoon
This week a floral arch was constructed around the huge West Door of the 1,000-year-old Cathedral in the heart of the city.
A staggering 100,000 flowers have been planted throughout the city – all paid for by the Duke – which will be donated to charity following the ceremony.
On a road into the city near the entrance to the Grosvenor Hospital, staff dressed a pair of mannequins in suit and wedding dress with photos of Hugh and Olivia’s faces attached.
More live updates about the ceremony can be read on the MailOnline’s live blog here.
